CONTRACTS have been exchanged and Mar City PLC are in the final throes of buying the Laindon Community Centre, in Lainden, Essex. Mar City with their long experience of working with local government and public bodies is looking forward to partnering with Basildon council to help progress the exciting regeneration plans for the area.

Both organisations are now working on plans to regenerate the shopping centre and surrounding area as part of a scheme that is planned to include a mix of new housing and retail space. Tony Ryan, Chief Executive of Mar City PLC, said that he was delighted to be working with the council on the project and looking forward to delivering a land mark development that will include major improvements for residents. He said: "We are pleased with the vision for the site and are keen to work in partnership with the council to deliver a development that will leave a legacy"

The exchange, to the award winning housing developer and manufacturer, comes after the council set aside £50,000 on improving the area around the Laindon Centre. The plans for the future redevelopment will include a new health centre and a community hub designed to provide a multi-agency point of contact and facilities for the community. Public consultation will take place to inform the proposals which will be subject to planning approval.

Phil Turner, leader of Basildon Council, said the sale of the privately-owned shopping centre was fantastic news for Laindon. Councillor Turner said: "Although development will not happen overnight we are committed to working with the community, the developers and the other partners to bring some vibrancy back to the area. "However, that does not mean that we are going to sit back and the work identified by the cross-party group that was set up to make improvements will continue to improve the here and now."

The Sixties-built site, which is surrounded by several pockets of council owned land, was bought by former owners, Laindon Regeneration, in 2007. Regrettably, the firm went into administration, in 2013, a year after Morrisons pulled out of a deal for a new supermarket and housing.

Bala Mahendran, chief executive of Basildon Council, said the council had been working behind the scenes to support the administrators in pushing forward to attract a capable buyer. He said: "The high standing and track record of Mar City PLC mean that we are very optimistic for the future of Laindon."

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